Ep 7. Mr. Monk and the Sleeping Suspect

In the second season of the popular crime dramedy show, Monk, episode 7 titled "Mr. Monk and the Sleeping Suspect" sees the return of everyone's favorite obsessive-compulsive detective, Adrian Monk (played by Tony Shalhoub), as he attempts to solve yet another perplexing case.

The episode begins with Monk and his assistant, Sharona (played by Bitty Schram), investigating a burglary in a wealthy neighborhood in San Francisco. The door to the house was left open, and the cash, jewelry, and electronics inside were stolen. The only potential lead is a man sleeping on a park bench nearby, and Monk and Sharona decide to question him.

However, they quickly discover that the man is actually the thief, as he is wearing some of the stolen items and carrying the rest in his backpack. The suspect, named Paul, admits to the crime but claims that he was sleepwalking at the time and has no recollection of committing the burglary. Sharona brushes off Paul's explanation as a ridiculous excuse, but Monk becomes interested in the idea of sleepwalking.

As Monk and Sharona continue to investigate the case, they discover that a woman named Mary Jane Hoberman (played by Gail O'Grady) has a history of sleepwalking and was in the neighborhood on the night of the burglary. Monk becomes convinced that Mary Jane is the true culprit and sets out to prove her guilt.

However, the case becomes more complicated when Monk himself begins sleepwalking and wakes up in a strange location with no memory of how he got there. As his investigation of Mary Jane becomes more desperate, Monk's own health and mental state begin to deteriorate, leaving Sharona to pick up the pieces and try to solve the case before it's too late.

The episode features all of the humor and heart that fans of the show have come to expect, as well as some clever nods to classic detective stories. Tony Shalhoub's performance as the titular Monk continues to impress, as he effortlessly switches between quirky comedy and genuine emotional depth. Bitty Schram also shines as Sharona, providing the perfect counterbalance to Monk's eccentricities.

Overall, "Mr. Monk and the Sleeping Suspect" is a standout episode of the series, combining suspenseful mystery with hilarious character moments and a poignant exploration of mental health. Fans of crime shows and comedy alike will find something to enjoy in this episode, which continues to showcase the unique charm of Monk and his colleagues in the San Francisco police department.